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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

HL Launch Pad PFO. Not looking good.

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Hi! Did anyone else apply to the Spotify Legal Summer internship and has anyone heard back yet?
Hi, I did! Not heard anything back yet though - one person on this thread had heard and got a pre-screening last month, but otherwise I think everyone else I've seen on here/elsewhere hasn't heard. I hope they don't keep us in suspense too long, it's one of my final things I'm waiting for a PFO from before this cycle is officially over for me so kind of just want it over with icl 😅😭
 
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Me too - just wondering about this?

The scheme will start at 10 am on the Monday and finish around lunchtime on the Friday. We will reimburse you your reasonable travel expenses.

Is it unpaid!?
Hi congrats on getting the scheme!! Just wondering, did they give you a choice of dates or is this just for one scheme? (trying to gauge if they have sent all offers out at once or if i can expect a pfo)
 
Hi guys.

Maybe this is a silly question but are the written exercises in AC, written on computer or do you have to write them by hand on paper.

Thanks all!
Hey!

Definitely not a silly question (+ I wish I had asked this last cycle, haha!) - it can be either! As others have said, the majority are usually on a computer, but one of my ACs was handwritten which definitely threw me off (and I ran out of time as a result!). I would definitely be prepared for the fact that it could be either :)
 
Hi, I had a few questions if anyone could help.

Firstly, I was wondering whether it would be encouraged or unconventional to discuss the current economic climate in a group presentation. For example, if there was an m&a case study for company x to acquire an agricultural business specialising in producing crops. During the discussion would it be wise to mention how the Middle East War may jeopardise the projected profits in the upcoming harvest bc there is a shorter supply of fertilisers, making the acquisition benefits minimal in the short term. Or would it be better to focus solely on the facts eg what kind of financing mechanisms are being used, or what’s the debt of the target company and associated risks etc. I believe including the wider economic backdrop would give commercial insights into the analysis, but I want to be sure it’s the right approach for a group discussion.

Secondly, has anyone had a 1-1 discussion with another candidate as part of their AC? Any insights into what it entailed or what to expect?

Ty
Hey!

On your first question, I'd say that bringing in the wider economic or geopolitical context is generally a good thing if it is clearly relevant and closely linked to your analysis. In your example, mentioning the impact of conflict on fertiliser supply chains shows good commercial awareness, but it is important that you use it correctly! Rather than focusing your discussion there, I'd treat it as a factor that informs your assessment of the deal overall. For example, you might frame it as a short-term risk to profitability, then weigh that against longer-term strategic benefits of the acquisition. This way, you are ensuring that your answer is still grounded in the facts of the case study, but still showing good commercial awareness.

Assessors are usually looking for:
  • Can you identify the key legal and commercial issues in the scenario?
  • Can you prioritise them appropriately?
  • Can you add the commercial context where it adds value?
I wouldn't ignore things such as financing structure, debt, and risks, as these are core elements of pretty much any transaction. However, adding concise and relevant external factors (like the supply chain disruption) can show that you are thinking about the issue commercially and make your answer stronger. I would just avoid making your answer too speculative or far removed from the facts, otherwise you aren't addressing the task that you have been given.

On your second question, unfortunately I haven't encountered a 1-1 discussion before! However, I'd say it is likely to focus on how you interact with others - i.e. you might be asked to reach a joint decision, prioritise options, or discuss a scenario together. They'll likely be testing how you communicate and collaborate with others under a bit of pressure! I'd perhaps try to think of it as working with a colleague as a trainee, and focus on facilitating a good discussion rather than just pushing your own view.

Wishing you the best of luck with your AC! :)
 
Hi guys! Can someone please provide me with insight / advice on how a TC interview (post-VS) differs from the AC interview? Hoping to convert!
Hey!

Congratulations on the TC interview! I would say that this can vary quite a bit between firms, but there are a few general ideas that I would keep in mind.

My number one rule would be to bring your VS experience into as many answers as you can. Instead of heavily relying on pre-prepared research (which is often what you need to do at the VS interview stage), try to ground your answers in what you actually observed or did during the scheme. For example:
  • Talk about specific tasks that you worked on and what you learned from them
  • Mention interactions with trainees/associates and how that shaped your view of the firm (this is why coffee chats can be useful!)
  • Reflect on feedback that you received and how you acted on it
  • Use real examples to demonstrate skills that a trainee would have, such as teamwork, communication, or commercial awareness.
You can still reference research where it is relevant, but it should feel secondary to your first-hand experience. Saying something along the lines of "I saw X during the scheme, which really aligned with my interest in Y because..." is often going to be much stronger than just repeating information from online resources.

Ultimately, you want to show them how you have made the most of the scheme, and how the scheme confirmed that this firm is the right place for you to train :)
 
Hii quick question for VS offer holders: how soon after signing the offer letter did you receive further communication/information/pre screening checks? Trying to figure out when its appropriate to follow up
Hey!

I remember for my spring scheme I didn't receive much detail until about a week beforehand (as I'm sure the firm were still finalising things!), so I really wouldn't worry at this stage if it is still a little while away. Timelines can vary quite a bit between firms!

However, if the scheme is only a week or so away and you've had no communication at all (and they haven't indicated when details will be sent out), it is completely reasonable to send a polite follow-up to see if there is any update :)
 
Hey!

On your first question, I'd say that bringing in the wider economic or geopolitical context is generally a good thing if it is clearly relevant and closely linked to your analysis. In your example, mentioning the impact of conflict on fertiliser supply chains shows good commercial awareness, but it is important that you use it correctly! Rather than focusing your discussion there, I'd treat it as a factor that informs your assessment of the deal overall. For example, you might frame it as a short-term risk to profitability, then weigh that against longer-term strategic benefits of the acquisition. This way, you are ensuring that your answer is still grounded in the facts of the case study, but still showing good commercial awareness.

Assessors are usually looking for:
  • Can you identify the key legal and commercial issues in the scenario?
  • Can you prioritise them appropriately?
  • Can you add the commercial context where it adds value?
I wouldn't ignore things such as financing structure, debt, and risks, as these are core elements of pretty much any transaction. However, adding concise and relevant external factors (like the supply chain disruption) can show that you are thinking about the issue commercially and make your answer stronger. I would just avoid making your answer too speculative or far removed from the facts, otherwise you aren't addressing the task that you have been given.

On your second question, unfortunately I haven't encountered a 1-1 discussion before! However, I'd say it is likely to focus on how you interact with others - i.e. you might be asked to reach a joint decision, prioritise options, or discuss a scenario together. They'll likely be testing how you communicate and collaborate with others under a bit of pressure! I'd perhaps try to think of it as working with a colleague as a trainee, and focus on facilitating a good discussion rather than just pushing your own view.

Wishing you the best of luck with your AC! :)
Thank you Abbie this was really helpful!!
 
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